When the Orlando Magic selected Paolo Banchero first overall in 2022, they saw a long-term asset who could pull them out of the barrel of irrelevancy and help them compete for big things again. And while that target has not quite been achieved yet, the signs that they are heading in the right direction are clear.<\/p>\n
The former Rookie of the Year led the Magic to the playoffs in 2024 and again in 2025. Although they exited in the first round both times, the franchise was back in the postseason conversation, at least. Banchero was rewarded with a five-year, $239 million extension, cementing his place in Orlando for the long haul.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old joined Shaquille O\u2019Neal<\/a> and Tracy McGrady<\/a> as the only players in Magic franchise history to record multiple games with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. He\u2019s clearly one of the best young players in the league, something Mike Miller has also pointed out.<\/p>\n Miller<\/a>, a two-time NBA Champion, heavily praised the Duke alum on an old episode of The OGs\u00a0podcast. Paolo has since used Miller\u2019s words in a new YouTube video that he dropped on his own channel.<\/p>\n \u201cTip of the iceberg,\u201d stated Miller when asked how talented Banchero<\/a> is. \u201cPaolo\u2019s biggest thing was just, \u2018How can I be the best basketball player?\u2019 Like he just cared about basketball. That\u2019s rare.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The proof is in the pudding. Paolo is not content with simply getting the Magic back to the postseason. He has the drive to deliver the franchise its first-ever NBA title.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s just beginning to understand how freaking good he is. The one thing I\u2019ll say about him and why I\u2019ll bet on him all day long is cause he absolutely loves it and dives into it,\u201d added<\/a> Miller, who then explained why he sees the Magic forward as a player people will be talking about for decades.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s this new era. He\u2019s 6\u201910\u201d-611,\u201d 270, moves like a guard, plays like a guard, I think he has a chance to be one of the best. I would bet everything that he\u2019s going to be one of those dudes that we talk about for the longest time.\u201d<\/p>\n